History of the Workwear Apron

Long white ruffled aprons were common in 1920s. The bib apron as we know it today took roots in the 1930s and 1940s but it is the half apron of the 1950s that has started a vintage and retro apron revival.

Aprons are worn by both men and Dry Goods stores up until the 1950’s to protect clothing during the working day. Now, in the 21st century, the apron has re-emerged as a style icon in workwear and as a fashion accessory both in and out of the kitchen.

Against all odds, this garment constantly moves and reinvents itself, leaving the past behind. Today, nothing remains of its negative image from being associated with a woman trapped in a domestic role.

Throughout history, the apron has been, at times, a working class garment used for practical purposes, while at other times it has taken on a more noble role, with decorative or even ritualistic use. It has likely existed as long as mankind has worn clothes, and there is evidence of its use in Ancient Crete and Pharaonic Egypt in religious rites.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, aprons were primarily for men, and indicative of the financial and professional status of its wearer. For example, English barbers wore chequered aprons to make their trade known to potential customers.

The apron was used as a guild emblem while also serving practical purposes, so that cobblers wore black aprons to protect themselves from tar, and stonemasons wore white aprons that protected them from the white dust of the stone. Different colours were assumed by different trades: stewards adopted green aprons, while blue was used by weavers, spinners and gardeners, etc.

The transformation of the apron into an icon of femininity would take place mostly in America in the late 1940s. After World War II, following the horrors of war and the scarcity of the Great Depression, the notion of the family seated together around the table was idealized. The apron became a symbol of family values and of an inviting kitchen with enough food for everyone.

Women in their aprons represented the warmth and hospitality of the family, and of an entire nation.

The Apron now as connotations of craftsmanship, and handmade products has also helped spur the use of aprons. An interest in handmade and vintage items has led a large segment of society to look back in time and reinterpret old fashion. New–old artisans find a symbol of their identity in the apron, a reflection of their work.

Most classic workwear aprons started popping up in 1950s – in all shapes and sizes – with pocket shapes which suited the user. It’s a garment which will always be there, and will carry on to morph to suit the user.

References

https://qooqer.com/en/apron-history/?v=79cba1185463 https://vintagedancer.com/1950s/vintage-aprons/